Pelzer Beautifications Efforts Mowed Down by Vandalism

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Town of Pelzer’s efforts at beautification were dealt a blow last night when an unknown vandal mowed down the town’s wildflowers which had been planted in the medians.

"Someone said they saw some guy cutting down all the flowers at 11:50 last night,” said Pelzer Mayor Will Ragland, who personally worked on the planning and planting of the wildflowers. Ragland hopes there is video of the person involved in the vandalism.

Ragland said the flowers had received overwhelmingly positive comments on the flowers, with the exception of a few naysayers who were unhappy with everything.

The position of mayor in Pelzer is a part-time job, paying less than $200 per month. The town is also challenged with zero tax revenue thanks to S.C. Act 388 which shifted taxation away from homeowners to industry, effectively leaving 82 towns in the state with no way to generate revenue.

When the flowers were planted in the spring, the dirt from the medians was used to fill gullies on the lower mill property, a place citizens have been asking for fill dirt for years, said Ragland.

Since he was first elected mayor, Ragland – now in his sixth year as mayor - has been an aggressive advocate for the Town of Pelzer, spearheading efforts to save and restore historic buildings, refurbishing and reviving parks and establishing the town’s identity with a new logo and town flag.